At age 18, the Pakistan native came to the United States with her family and a goal of doing something creative.

She hated books and studying but loved color and fabric.

Now, at age 30, she owns and operates Poshak Fashion & Style boutique on Hillcroft and designs traditional South Asian bridal wear.

"I always knew I wanted to do something creative and have my own thing," she said from the design studio in the back of her boutique.

Faridi sketches her designs with bright jewel-tone fabrics and beading in mind. The garments are handmade at her family's factory in Pakistan. Each piece is intricately hand-beaded using rich fabrics, like velvet and jamavar, a traditional South Asian textile made using a hand loom.

In 2004, Faridi opened Poshak in a 1,500-square-foot space in the Hillcroft area, then moved to her current, 6,000-square-foot location in 2006.

Faridi, a graduate of Houston Community College's fashion design and merchandising program, said she didn't know how to sew when she began her fashion studies.

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"I would press the sewing machine pedal so hard my instructor would tell me, 'It's not a car accelerator.' But I learned quickly."

Faridi also realized having her own label meant utilizing the experience of her father, Muzahir Faridi, who owns one of the largest uniform supply companies in Saudi Arabia that is also named Poshak. He taught her about the business of fashion - buying, selling and managing inventory.

"My father helped me set up a platform and structure for my brand," she said. "You can be the best designer in the world, but if you don't have a financial backing, you can't really have your own label. I'm grateful I have his support. He helps keep me focused on making money."

Her mother, Kishwar Faridi, helps with the store's daily operations; her sister, Samiyah Faridi, 26, manages its accessories, including jewelry, shoes and handbags; and her brother, Zohaib Faridi, works between Houston and Saudi Arabia with the family's uniform business. (Her 4-month-old daughter, Aiza, is often cuddled in a crib in the back of the store.)

Faridi's custom bridal wear sells for $1,200 to $6,000, and each garment can take several months to complete. She also sells manufactured South Asian saris and tunics by other labels at $30-$150.

"You have to be practical," she said. "I would like to sell only my work, but that's not realistic. There are some pieces here I really don't like, but there is a market and a clientele who likes it."

In the years since she opened her store, Faridi's clientele has expanded beyond the South Asian community.

She calls it the "Slumdog Millionaire" effect, after the 2008 Academy Award-winning movie.

"A lot of people started paying attention to South Asian clothing after that movie came out. They wanted the look. It's something different, unique and very colorful," she said.

"Curry and Bollywood have become mainstream now," she said. "Even designers like Tory Burch take inspiration from India. After 'Slumdog Millionaire,' Indian fashion has been huge. For some people saris may be difficult to wear, but I've seen tunics everywhere."

Mukherjee even refers to her black sari as her "little black dress."

"It's classic and defines who I am. And I'm proud to be Indian and showcase my own culture," she said.

Faridi said she plans to expand her in-store studio to create a more intimate setting for her customers wanting made-to-order bridal wear. Customer service is also a major part of the business, she said.

"It's taken me seven years to get here. I've worked hard to learn the business and really work on my skill. I think people are taking me seriously now."